It begins along the west side of Roaring River Ridge in the Cascade Range and flows generally north through the Willamette National Forest to meet the larger stream about 22 miles (35 km) from its confluence with the McKenzie River.

[3] Forest Road 19 (Aufderheide Memorial Drive) runs parallel to Roaring River along its lower reaches and then along its main tributary, McBee Creek.

Generally open from early May to mid-September, it has 12 tent, car, and trailer sites, drinking water, and vault toilets.

The campground is generally open from early May to late October along Forest Road 19 and the lower reach of the river.

[5] The Box Canyon Guard Station, near the headwaters of McBee Creek, is a 16-by-24-foot (4.9 by 7.3 m) cabin that is generally open for rental from mid-June through the end of October.